If you’re considering a Lexus RZ, depreciation should be near the top of your checklist. Like most electric SUVs, the Lexus RZ depreciation rate is steeper than many gas models, but it’s also better than some rival EVs, and the numbers look very different if you buy used instead of new.
Why depreciation matters more with EVs
Lexus RZ depreciation rate at a glance
Lexus RZ depreciation snapshot
Put simply, the Lexus RZ doesn’t escape the higher depreciation that has hit many EVs, but it’s not an outlier in a bad way. In fact, on a percentage basis it’s projected to outperform some high‑volume electric crossovers while still giving you the refinement and dealer network that come with the Lexus badge.
2‑year and 5‑year Lexus RZ depreciation forecasts
Depreciation is steepest in the first few years of any new car’s life, and the Lexus RZ is no exception. What makes EVs different is just how much value they can lose early on as incentives, technology improvements, and changing demand reshape the market.
Lexus RZ depreciation: 2‑ and 5‑year view
Approximate depreciation and value retention for recent Lexus RZ model years, based on nationally averaged data and forecasts.
| Scenario | Time in Service | Estimated Depreciation | Value Retained | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus RZ bought new | ~2 years | ≈44% | ≈56% | Kelley Blue Book data shows a roughly 44% value drop in about two years for a 2024 RZ. |
| 2025 Lexus RZ bought new | 5 years | ≈52.4%–55% | ≈45%–48% | KBB projects a dollar loss of about $27k over 5 years; iSeeCars puts the RZ at 52.4% depreciation vs. MSRP. |
| Typical electric compact SUV | 5 years | ≈59%–60% | ≈40%–41% | Across EVs, five‑year depreciation averages close to 59%, meaning most rivals lose more value than the RZ. |
| Typical new vehicle (all powertrains) | 5 years | ≈45%–50% | ≈50%–55% | Gas and hybrid models generally hold value better than EVs right now, but the gap is narrowing. |
Actual values will vary with options, mileage, region, and condition, but this table gives you a realistic planning baseline.
Don’t over‑interpret the exact percentages
A key takeaway is that the RZ takes a big hit up front, roughly 40–45% in the first couple of years, then its depreciation curve flattens. That’s painful if you buy new and sell quickly, but a major opportunity if you buy a well‑vetted used Lexus RZ after that early drop has already happened.
How the Lexus RZ compares to other EV SUVs on value retention
Lexus RZ vs Tesla Model Y
- 5‑year depreciation: Lexus RZ 450e is estimated around 52.4%, while the Tesla Model Y is closer to 60%–61%.
- Value retention advantage: The RZ keeps roughly 8–9 percentage points more of its value than the Model Y over five years in recent studies.
- Price behavior: Tesla’s frequent price changes tend to ripple into the used market, creating more volatility than you typically see with Lexus.
Lexus RZ vs other compact EV SUVs
- EV class average: Electric vehicles as a group depreciate around the high‑50% range over five years.
- RZ’s position: The RZ sits on the "better" side of the EV pack, closer to 52%–55% rather than 60%+.
- Luxury penalty: Luxury EVs like the Mustang Mach‑E or Model X often see even sharper drops, so the RZ’s performance here is actually relatively strong.
Where the RZ quietly shines
Key factors that drive Lexus RZ depreciation
Depreciation isn’t random. The Lexus RZ is influenced by the same levers that move the broader EV market, plus a few factors specific to Lexus and the RZ 450e itself.
What moves Lexus RZ resale value up or down?
Six big drivers to watch if you own, or plan to own, an RZ.
1. EV technology pace
2. Real‑world range perception
3. Charging ecosystem
4. New‑car incentives & discounts
5. Battery health & warranty
6. Mileage & usage profile
Use battery data to your advantage
Real‑world used Lexus RZ pricing in 2026
Market data for 2023–2025 Lexus RZ models is finally deep enough to see real patterns. While exact numbers vary by mileage and options, you can use these ranges as a sanity check when you’re looking at listings or trade‑in offers.
Typical Lexus RZ asking prices in early 2026
Approximate retail price ranges you might see for used Lexus RZ 450e models at mainstream dealers, assuming average mileage and clean history.
| Model year | Mileage range | Typical retail asking range | What it implies about depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Lexus RZ 450e | 20,000–35,000 miles | Upper $30Ks to low $50Ks | Early adopters have already eaten the steepest depreciation; smart shoppers are now hunting in this bracket. |
| 2024 Lexus RZ | 10,000–25,000 miles | Low‑ to mid‑$40Ks (most trims) | Lines up with roughly 40%+ value loss from original MSRP on many builds. |
| 2025 Lexus RZ | Under 15,000 miles | Mid‑$40Ks to high‑$50Ks | Still close to new‑car money; depreciation has started but the big drop is ahead of you if you buy new. |
These are directional, national averages, always adjust for your local market and the specific vehicle in front of you.
Why advertised prices are only the starting point
Smart ways to reduce your Lexus RZ depreciation
You can’t eliminate depreciation, but you can absolutely influence how hard it hits you. These strategies apply whether you already own an RZ or are considering one.
Practical steps to protect your RZ’s value
1. Aim for a 5‑ to 7‑year ownership window
The RZ drops value fastest in the first 2–3 years. If you buy new, plan to own it long enough that you’re spreading that big initial hit over more years of use.
2. Keep mileage and fast‑charging in check
Staying close to average annual mileage and relying on Level 2 home or workplace charging where possible keeps both perceived and actual battery wear down.
3. Document every service visit
Maintain a complete, organized service record, even for tire rotations and software updates. Buyers will pay more for a car with clear, consistent documentation from Lexus dealers or reputable EV shops.
4. Protect the interior and exterior
Garage parking, regular washing, and prompt chip or wheel repairs are inexpensive ways to keep your RZ looking newer than the competition when it’s time to sell or trade.
5. Time your sale around market cycles
Tax‑credit changes, new‑model launches, and aggressive lease programs can all push used prices down. If you have flexibility, avoid selling right after a major price cut on new RZ inventory.
6. Consider certified or vetted pre‑owned programs
If you’re buying used, choose vehicles that include rigorous inspections and battery health diagnostics. At Recharged, every EV, including the RZ, is backed by a Recharged Score report, so you start with the value curve working for you.
Avoid these value‑killing mistakes
How buying used can flip depreciation in your favor
From a cost‑of‑ownership perspective, the best way to "beat" Lexus RZ depreciation is to let the first owner pay for it. Because the RZ loses such a large chunk of value in the first couple of years, a 2‑ to 4‑year‑old example can offer a lot of luxury EV for the money.
Buying a new Lexus RZ
- Pros: Full warranty coverage, latest software and hardware, clean history.
- Cons: You absorb the biggest 2‑ to 3‑year depreciation hit and face more uncertainty on long‑term resale if incentives or technology shift quickly.
- Best for: Drivers who prioritize the newest tech and plan to keep the vehicle long term.
Buying a used Lexus RZ
- Pros: Somebody else has already paid for that steep early drop; you’re closer to the flatter part of the depreciation curve.
- Cons: You must vet battery health carefully and verify maintenance and charging history.
- Best for: Value‑focused shoppers who want a luxury EV with a lower monthly cost and less downside risk.
How Recharged fits in
Lexus RZ depreciation: frequently asked questions
Common questions about Lexus RZ depreciation
Bottom line: Is Lexus RZ depreciation a deal breaker?
On paper, the Lexus RZ depreciation rate looks steep, especially if you’re comparing it to traditional gas or hybrid SUVs. In practice, it’s right in the middle of the current EV landscape and actually better than several direct competitors, particularly when you look at 5‑year value retention instead of just the first two years.
If you insist on buying new and trading out quickly, depreciation is going to hurt, no matter which EV you pick. But if you think in 5‑ to 7‑year terms, or you’re willing to let a previous owner absorb that early drop and shop for a carefully vetted used Lexus RZ, the numbers start to work in your favor.
That’s where a platform like Recharged shines. With transparent Recharged Score battery reports, fair‑market pricing, nationwide delivery, and EV‑specialist support, you can choose a Lexus RZ that fits not just your lifestyle, but your long‑term financial plan. In a market where depreciation is the biggest hidden cost, having the right data turns a moving target into a manageable line item.
